Libby

As I'm sure you all know by now I try very hard to make sure Libby feels special.  I really miss the time we used to spend before and after school while the boys were still at school at UCP.  We try to do things together still but really there is nothing like that built in hour or two every day like we used to have when I could give her the one on one attention.  She is a kid who really needs that.  Plus she is now sharing a room with her brothers (whole different story) and is on the top bunk so I no longer am able to rest with her.  This is when I got a lot of information and questions from her. 

Anyway, I know I am a phanatic (oops subconscious spelling mistake) when making sure that all three of the kids are treated as similarly as possible.  So much so that I am sure it drives some people crazy.  I have made obvious corrections in front of people and redirected people's attention to make sure they include Libby and vice versa.  If I think about from her perspective, it makes sense.  We have shirts for the boys, events for the boys, a post office box that we check for the boys, people asking how they are doing and more.  Even though we know that saving their lives is of the utmost importance, the fact that Fighting for their Future is all about fundraising for the boys must make Libby feel a bit left out sometimes.  When we were planning our Make A Wish trip, I drove the poor workers nuts making sure that Libby was included in everything.  Ironically, when the brochure came it was addressed to Mark, Phyllis, Nathan and Bennett.  Anyway, people may think that I go overboard with this, that life is unfair and the sooner she learns this the better but so far no one has objected.  Some of the special attention that Nathan and Bennett receive is built in, therapists, team meetings, fundraising and more so I will work as hard as I can to find a balance for Libby. 

One of the things that makes me very happy is that my mom and Libby have a very special relationship.  They are two peas in a pod with the things they say and do sometimes.  Plus they both love horses and Libby gets to go to MeMaw's house for a few days in the summer to go to Aunt Sherri's pony camp.  As I mentioned previously, my parents came down on Sunday and brought the kids some Christmas gifts.  They gave Libby a hooded sweatshirt from my sister and brother-in-law's horse farm, "Brownhill Stables"  Libby was beyond thrilled and has worn it two days this week (tried to go for three but I said we had to wash it).  When she was taking it off on day two she said "I guess I am special or something because Memaw and Poppop gave me this sweatshirt."  Ohh happy day!  I really want her to know how special and wonderful she is but sometimes I think we miss the mark.  I'm glad though that my mom manages to make her feel special and I feel so fortunate that they have a special relationship and both enjoy the horses and being outdoors.  Horses and the outdoors are not my thing. 

PS  If Mark and I tried to get her to wear a hooded sweatshirt, it would not happen.  She has major sensory issues so the fact that she can wear a something with the hood sitting on the back of her neck is testimony to how much she loves Memaw and Aunt Sherri!